Phrases such as “More is caught than taught” and “Actions speak louder than words” ring true in education, particularly when a student develops a passion for teaching.

Kaley Testerman, of Piedmont, hopes to become a special education teacher. She has enjoyed the Service Careers Hospitality program and loves her instructor, Markus Truelove. Coincidently, Truelove is the reigning “Teacher of the Year” at CV Tech’s El Reno Campus.

Students enrolled in the program benefit from on-location visits to area businesses as part of their career preparedness. Cleaning and food prep are among the points of emphasis.

“Helping everyone out so that business runs smooth is important to me,” Testerman said.

She said she also likes being in different work environments. Four years ago, Truelove brokered an agreement with area business to permit students enrolled in his class to go on site before the business opens. The students ready the site for customers as if they were paid employees.

So far, the agreement has included area restaurants and even a hotel. Students learn what it is like in each environment and are properly prepared for employment.

Classmate, Mason Sershon, sees himself working in the hospitality industry once he finishes high school.

The Mustang High School senior said he has also benefiited by getting a first-hand look into the industry through the visits to area businesses.

“As we work the shifts, we are learning new skills,” Sershon said. “We are working with the employees and getting to see the customers. It’s good.”

Truelove said the real “win” is that students get to see a business behind the scenes.